Systems for acquiring and processing seismic data

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods may be provided for setting up a geophysical seismic information-gathering grid utilizing a source pattern including but not limited to a “slant” or “diamond” source as well as a receiver pattern using base patterns including but not limited to “I+H” or “H+I” and “box plus.” Use of such base patterns may allow seismic data to be collected and processed using a reduced number of sources and receivers to provide a seismic imaging plot having increased and noticeably improved resolution than is presently available.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/549,974 filed Jul. 16, 2012, entitled “SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING ANDPROCESSING SEISMIC DATA,” of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to seismic data collection, andmore particularly to systems for acquisition and processing of seismicdata.

BACKGROUND

In geophysical exploration, co-linear arrays of sources and receiversmay be positioned to form a grid or brick pattern. Each source may thenbe activated to create a seismic disturbance, such as an explosivecharge, that may create a wave that penetrates down into the earth. Thewave contacts a sub-surface acoustic impedance boundary or layer and isreflected back to the surface to be detected by one or more receivers(i.e., geophones and microphones). Instrumentation then converts thereflected waves to signals that are recorded as data for seismicprocessing and interpretation, such as to evaluate where to drill. Noisemay mask actual sub-surface features identified by the reflected wavesignals. Increasing the fold may address noise issues by improving thesignal-to-noise ratio. Increasing the number of sources and receiversused in the grid or brick pattern may increase the fold. However, as thenumber of sources and receivers increases, seismic data collection maybecome quite expensive in terms of resources needed. Further, there maybe losses in resolution on seismic imaging plots as the number ofsources and receivers used increases.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a seismic informationgathering system comprising a receiver pattern having a plurality ofreceiver locations set parallel to each other and perpendicular to eachother, the receiver pattern forming a base pattern including at least an“H,” an “I” and a “+,” and a source pattern having a plurality of sourcelocations set parallel to each other, the source pattern forming aplurality of “slant” source lines, and wherein the source pattern may beplaced on top of the receiver pattern. The base pattern may be an “H+I”or “I+H” pattern. The base pattern may be rotated at an angle between 0and 360 degrees with reference to the earth. The base pattern may berepeated at a predefined interval. The system may be in a closed or openconfiguration. The source pattern may be positioned at an angle relativeto the receiver pattern.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a seismicinformation gathering system that may comprise a receiver pattern havinga plurality of receiver locations set parallel to each other andperpendicular to each other separated by one unit, the receiver patternforming a base pattern including at least an “H,” an “I” and a “+,” anda source pattern having a plurality of source locations set parallel toeach other and perpendicular to each other, the source pattern forming aplurality of “diamond” source lines, and wherein the source pattern maybe placed on top of the receiver pattern. The base pattern may be an“H+I” or “I+H” pattern. The base pattern may be rotated at an anglebetween 0 and 360 degrees with reference to the earth. The system may bein a closed configuration. The source pattern may be positioned at anangle relative to the receiver pattern.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a seismicinformation gathering system that may include a receiver pattern havinga plurality of receiver locations set parallel to each other andperpendicular to each other separated by one unit, the receiver patternforming a base pattern including a “box” and a “+,” and a source patternhaving a plurality of source locations set parallel to each other orboth parallel to each other and perpendicular to each other, the sourcepattern forming a plurality of “slant” source lines or “diamond” sourcelines, and wherein the source pattern may be placed on top of thereceiver pattern. The base pattern may be rotated at an angle between 0and 360 degrees with reference to the earth. The source pattern may bepositioned at an angle relative to the receiver pattern. The basepattern also may be repeated at a predefined interval. The system may bein a closed configuration. In some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the receiver pattern and the source pattern may be inverted.The source pattern and the receiver pattern may be set at any anglerelative to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is nowmade to the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an “I+H” source and receiver configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A depicts an “I+H” source and receiver closed propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B depicts an “I+H” source and receiver propagation configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an “H+I” source and receiver configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A depicts an “H+I” source and receiver closed propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B depicts an “H+I” source and receiver propagation configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts an “H+I” source and receiver angled configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A depicts an “H+I” source and receiver closed propagation angledconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B depicts an “H+I” source and receiver propagation angledconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an “I+H” source and receiver inverse configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A depicts an “I+H” source and receiver inverse closed propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B depicts an “I+H” source and receiver inverse propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a “square wave” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A depicts a “square wave” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a “symmetric square” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A depicts a “symmetric square” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a “box plus” source and receiver configuration accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A depicts a “box plus” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a “goal tee” source and receiver configuration accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A depicts a “goal tee” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts a “step” source and receiver configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A depicts a “step” source and receiver propagation configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a “Texas tee” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A depicts a “Texas tee” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts an “offset squares” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A depicts an “offset squares” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 depicts an “offset cross” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A depicts an “offset cross” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 depicts an “offset x” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A depicts an “offset x” source and receiver propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts an “H+I” receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 depicts a “slant” source configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 depicts an “H+I” receiver configuration with a “slant” sourceconfiguration on top of the “H+I” receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A depicts an “H+I” receiver propagation configuration with a“slant” source propagation configuration on top of the “H+I” receiverpropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 depicts a “diamond” source configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17A depicts a “H+I” receiver configuration with a “diamond” sourceconfiguration on top of the “H+I” receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B depicts an “H+I” receiver propagation configuration with a“diamond” source propagation configuration on top of the “H+I” receiverpropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 depicts a seismic imaging plot formed from using an “I+H”configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 depicts a prior art seismic imaging plot;

FIG. 20 depicts a seismic imaging plot formed from using a “box plus”configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A depicts a prior art seismic imaging plot;

FIG. 21B depicts a prior art seismic imaging plot;

FIG. 22 depicts a seismic imaging fold plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with a “slant” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 depicts a seismic imaging offset plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with a “slant” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 depicts a seismic imaging spider plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with a “slant” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 depicts a seismic imaging fold plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with a “diamond” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 depicts a seismic imaging spider plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with a “diamond” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 27 depicts a seismic imaging offset plot formed using an “I+H”receiver propagation configuration with an offset plot of a “diamond”source propagation configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems forsetting up a geophysical seismic information-gathering grid utilizing areceiver pattern in an “I+H,” “H+I” or “box plus” base pattern, and asource pattern in a “slant” source line or a “diamond” source line.Other receiver patterns and/or source patterns including “square wave,”“symmetric square,” “goal tee,” “step,” “Texas tee,” “offset squares,”“offset cross” and “offset x” may be used in place of “I+H,” “H+I” or“box plus” without departing from the present disclosure. Use of any ofthese base patterns may allow seismic data to be collected and processedusing reduced numbers of sources and receivers to provide a seismicimaging plot having increased and noticeably improved resolution than ispresently available. Use of any of these patterns may reduce the numberof sources and receivers needed to gain acceptable results. Thereduction in receivers and sources may reduce costs as well as reduceenvironmental impact. The reduction in receivers and sources also mayreduce employee exposure to job injuries insofar as less time may bespent on a given seismic gathering project.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a source pattern may be formedsuch that a number of source locations may be set parallel to each otherand perpendicular to each other or parallel to each other. Accordingly,two straight-line parallel source segments may be formed, which may bereferred to as a set of sources. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, diagonal parallel source segments may be formed, which maybe referred to as “slant” source lines. In a further embodiment of thepresent disclosure, parallel and perpendicular source segments may beformed, which may be referred to as “diamond” source lines. Afterproviding a set of sources, additional source sets may be formed bymoving along the original straight-line parallel segments at one-unitintervals. Similarly, source sets may be formed by moving up or down atone-half-unit spacing intervals. It should be appreciated that othersub-units, or any variable thereof, may define additional source setswithout departing from the present disclosure.

A receiver set may originate along the set of sources approximatelyone-half unit in and perpendicular to the source pattern in directionaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, itshould be appreciated that a receiver set also may originate along anysub-unit of the set of sources at any angle or variation thereof withoutdeparting from the present disclosure.

A receiver pattern may be laid out such that a number of receiverlocations may be set parallel to each other separated by one unit,thereby creating two straight-line segments that may be referred to as aset of receivers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a receiverpattern may be laid out such that a number of receiver locations may beset parallel to each other and perpendicular to each other separated byone unit, thereby creating a plurality of straight-line segments thatmay be referred to as a set of receivers. Moving along the originalstraight-line source segments at one-unit intervals may createadditional receiver sets. It also should be appreciated that receiversets may be formed by moving up or down at one-half-unit spacingintervals without departing from the present disclosure. It also shouldbe appreciated that additional receiver sets may be defined by anysub-unit, as well as any variable thereof, without departing from thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an I plus H source and receiver configuration accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration depictedin FIG. 1 may be referred to as an “I+H” base pattern according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The configuration may be referredto as “I plus H” because the sources (each designated with the letter“S”) may be positioned to form the horizontal portions of the letter “I”as well as the “+” sign and the letter “H” as depicted in FIG. 1.Conversely, the receivers (each designated with the letter “R”) may bepositioned to form the vertical portions of the letter “I” as well asthe “+” sign and the letter “H” comprising the “I+H” configuration asdepicted in FIG. 1.

Sets of eight sources and eight receivers may be used to form thedifferent portions of an “I+H” pattern as depicted in FIG. 1; however,it should be appreciated that as few as two sources and two receivers ina set or as many as several hundred sources and receivers in a set maybe used to form base patterns, such as “I+H” or one of the otherpatterns later described according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. While the “I+H” configuration of FIG. 1 may be depicted at 0degrees rotation relative to the earth, it should be appreciated thatthe configuration pattern may be rotated at an angle between 0 and 360degrees with reference to the earth without departing from the presentdisclosure. Similarly, other patterns described in embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be rotated in a similar manner without departingfrom the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that this base pattern depicted in FIG. 1 maybe repeated at a predefined interval that may be proportional to theoriginal unit and sub-unit intervals until desired coverage may beachieved. FIG. 1A depicts an “I+H” source and receiver closedpropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. This pattern may be referred to as a closed configurationinsofar as another group of sources and receivers may be added along oneside and one top or bottom edge to close out the pattern. FIG. 1Bdepicts an “I+H” source and receiver propagation configuration accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that regardless what type of pattern orpropagation (closed or open) may be employed, the spacing of eachreceiver set and source set may be relatively equal throughout thepropagation in order to create a homogenous pattern to allow seismicdata collection that may generate greater fold and better azimuthdistribution. Further, use of configurations for seismic data collectionaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure may provide forremoval of acquisition layout from the fold plots, thereby leading tocost reduction, time reduction, as well as safety exposure reduction.

FIG. 2 depicts an H plus I source and receiver configuration accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration depictedin FIG. 2 may be referred to as an “H+I” base pattern according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The configuration may be referredto as “H plus I” because the sources (each designated with the letter“S”) may be positioned to form the horizontal portions of the letter “I”as well as the “+” sign and the letter “H” as depicted in FIG. 2.Conversely, the receivers (each designated with the letter “R”) may bepositioned to form the vertical portions of the letter “I” as well asthe “+” sign and the letter “H” comprising the “H+I” configuration asdepicted in FIG. 2. However, in contrast to FIG. 1, the “H” portion ofthe pattern precedes the “I” portion, thereby forming an inverse of thepattern depicted in FIG. 1.

As with the pattern depicted in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated thatthis base pattern depicted in FIG. 2 may be repeated at a predefinedinterval that may be proportional to the original unit and sub-unitintervals until desired coverage may be achieved. FIG. 2A depicts an“H+I” source and receiver closed propagation configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B depicts an “H+I” sourceand receiver propagation configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an H plus I source and receiver angled configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Positioningreceivers and sources at different angles may provide for more optimalangles for collection of seismic data over different topography or landconfigurations. The pattern depicted in FIG. 3 is similar to thatdepicted in FIG. 2; however, this pattern may position the receivers andsources at an angle with respect to one another while still providing areduction in noise when seismic data may be collected. While FIG. 3depicts the H plus I pattern in an angled configuration, it should beappreciated that patterns other than the H plus I pattern may be formedin an angular configuration without departing from the presentdisclosure. It also should be appreciated that the angled patternconfigurations may be rotated with reference to the earth withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. Accordingly, the angle ofpositioning between receivers and sources may be modified as well as theangle of rotation with reference to the earth according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

As with the patterns depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, it should be appreciatedthat this angled base pattern depicted in FIG. 3 may be repeated at apredefined interval that may be proportional to the original unit andsub-unit intervals until desired coverage may be achieved. FIG. 3Adepicts an H plus I source and receiver closed propagation angledconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Similarly, FIG. 3B depicts an H plus I source and receiver propagationangled configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. While the angle of positioning with respect to the sourcesand receivers is depicted at a specified acute angle in FIGS. 3, 3A and3B, it should be appreciated that other angles may be used withoutdeparting from the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an I plus H source and receiver inverse configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that FIG. 4 depicts a pattern similar to that shown in FIG.1; however, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the sources(each designated with the letter “S”) may be positioned to form thevertical portions of the letter “I” as well as the “+” sign and theletter “H” as depicted in FIG. 4. Conversely, the receivers (eachdesignated with the letter “R”) may be positioned to form the horizontalportions of the letter “I” as well as the “+” sign and the letter “H”comprising the “I+H” configuration as depicted in FIG. 4. Accordingly,the sources as depicted in FIG. 1 have been replaced with receivers inFIG. 4 and vice versa.

FIG. 4A depicts an I plus H source and receiver inverse closedpropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 4B depicts an I plus H source and receiver inversepropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

It should be appreciated that patterns other than “H plus I” and “I plusH” may be used in the collection and processing of seismic dataaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 depicts a“square wave” source and receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5A depicts a “squarewave” source and receiver propagation configuration. FIG. 6 depicts a“symmetric square” source and receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6A depicts a “symmetricsquare” source and receiver propagation configuration. FIG. 7 depicts a“box plus” source and receiver configuration according to an embodimentof the present disclosure, and FIG. 7A depicts a “box plus” source andreceiver propagation configuration. FIG. 8 depicts a “goal tee” sourceand receiver configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, and FIG. 8A depicts a “goal tee” source and receiverpropagation configuration. FIG. 9 depicts a “step” source and receiverconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 9A depicts a “step” source and receiver propagation configuration.FIG. 10 depicts a “Texas tee” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10Adepicts a “Texas tee” source and receiver propagation configuration.FIG. 11 depicts an “offset squares” source and receiver configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11Adepicts an “offset squares” source and receiver propagationconfiguration. FIG. 12 depicts an “offset cross” source and receiverconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 12A depicts an “offset cross” source and receiver propagationconfiguration. FIG. 13 depicts an “offset x” source and receiverconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG. 13A depicts an “offset x” source and receiver propagationconfiguration. The “offset x” is similar to “offset cross” except thatthe “plus” signs in the pattern may be substituted with “x”s.

FIG. 14 depicts an H plus I receiver configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration depicted in FIG.14 may be referred to as an “H+I” base pattern according to embodimentsof the present disclosure. The configuration may be referred to as “H+I”because the receivers may be positioned to form the letter “H” and theform the letter “I.”

Sets of six receivers may be used to form the different portions of an“H+I” pattern as depicted in FIG. 14; however, it should be appreciatedthat as few as four receivers in a set or as many as several hundredsources and receivers in a set may be used to form base patterns, suchas “H+I” or one of the other patterns later described without departingfrom the present disclosure. While the “H+I” configuration of FIG. 14may be depicted at 0 degrees rotation relative to the earth, it shouldbe appreciated that the configuration pattern may be rotated at an anglebetween 0 and 360 degrees with reference to the earth without departingfrom the present disclosure. Similarly, other patterns described hereinmay be rotated in a similar manner without departing from the presentdisclosure. As with the patterns depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, itshould be appreciated that this base pattern depicted in FIG. 14 may berepeated at a predefined interval that may be proportional to theoriginal unit and sub-unit intervals until desired coverage may beachieved.

FIG. 15 depicts a “slant” source configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In the “slant” sourceconfiguration, sources may be equally spaced along a plurality of sourcelines. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, sources maybe arranged diagonally along evenly spaced parallel source lines andeach of the source lines may be angled at the same degree to thehorizontal axis of the source configuration. FIG. 16 depicts an “H+I”receiver configuration combined with a “slant” source configurationaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A plurality ofsource locations may be set parallel to each other, and source lines mayintersect a center of vertical portions of the letter “I” and horizontalportions of both the letter “H” as well as the “+” sign. FIG. 16Adepicts an “H+I” receiver propagation configuration where a “slant”source propagation configuration may be placed on top of the “H+I”receiver configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 16A, a “box plus” receiver configurationmay be combined with a “slant” source configuration. It should beappreciated that the source lines may be positioned at any position andangle with respect to the “H+I” pattern.

FIG. 17 depicts a “diamond” source configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In the “diamond” sourceconfiguration, sources may be equally spaced in intersecting paralleland perpendicular source lines. FIG. 17A depicts an “H+I” receiverconfiguration with a “diamond” source configuration that may be placedon top of the “H+I” receiver configuration according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The source lines may intersect a center ofvertical portions of the letter “I” and may form an “X” above, below,and on top of the letter “I.” Further, source lines may form a “diamond”on top of the letter “H” as well as on top of the “+” sign. FIG. 17Bdepicts an “H+I” receiver propagation configuration where a “diamond”source propagation configuration may be placed on top of the “H+I”receiver propagation configuration according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17B, a “box plus” receiverconfiguration may be combined with a “diamond” source configuration. Itshould be appreciated that the source lines may be positioned at anyposition and angle with respect to the “H+I” pattern.

It should be appreciated that, with respect to the patterns orconfigurations depicted in FIGS. 1-17B, sources may be substituted withreceivers and vice versa in each of the patterns or configurationswithout departing from the present disclosure. In addition, the patternsor configurations may be angled according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

In each of the patterns or configurations depicted in FIGS. 1-17B, itshould be appreciated that the numbers of sources or receivers may bemodified depending on the topography or the size of the location whereseismic data may be collected without departing from the presentdisclosure. Similarly, the spacing between sources and receivers withina pattern or configuration may be modified without departing from thepresent disclosure. Each of these modifications may be made in order tomaximize the quality of the results of the final 3D seismic imagingplot. Each of the patterns also may provide better resolution on a foldplot and azimuth map than is possible with brick or ortho patterns thathave been used in the past.

For example, FIG. 18 depicts a 3D seismic image plot formed using an“I+H” pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thisplot may reflect a seismic data collection project over a 60 square milearea. In contrast to the previous patterns used for placement of sourcesand receivers (FIG. 19), only approximately 3690 dynamic shots may beneeded to form the plot of FIG. 18 as compared to over 6000 that maytypically be used for such a seismic data collection project. This mayprovide a tremendous cost savings insofar as each shot may typicallycome at a cost of approximately $500. By reducing the number of shots byapproximately 3000 for a 60 square mile area, savings of approximately$1.5 million may be achieved on a single project. As the size of theland increases, further cost savings may be achieved. In addition, acomparison of the plots depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19 may demonstrate thatthe imaging plot formed using the “I+H” pattern according to embodimentsof the present disclosure may provide better accuracy and as much as 4times improvement in resolution with a reduced number of shots and at alower cost.

Use of patterns such as “I+H” according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure may result in more accuracy in the seismic data recordingsmade and the resulting imaging plots. FIG. 18 includes a substantialamount of red, and this indicates a greater fold when a pattern such as“I+H” may be employed according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In contrast, FIG. 19 includes much less red, andaccordingly, less fold, than the pattern depicted in FIG. 18. Further,if the pattern is tighter (i.e., the blocks are smaller), moreimprovement in the fold may occur, and this also is illustrated througha comparison of FIG. 18 to FIG. 19.

Similar to the plot improvements depicted in FIG. 18 as compared to FIG.19, FIG. 20 depicts a 3D seismic imaging plot formed using a “box plus”pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plotdepicted in FIG. 20 may utilize 800 sources and 800 receivers to formthe “box plus” pattern. In contrast, more sources (880) and receivers(880) are needed to cover the same amount of land with an ortho pattern(FIG. 21A) and more receivers (880) are needed to cover the same amountof land with a brick pattern (FIG. 21B). Accordingly, there may be acost reduction in utilizing a “box plus” pattern as compared to ortho orbrick patterns that have been used in the past insofar as fewer sourcesand receivers may be utilized at a lower cost per shot. In addition, theresolution achieved by using a “box plus” pattern (FIG. 20) may beimproved as compared to that previously achieved with an ortho pattern(FIG. 21A) or brick pattern (FIG. 21B). While FIG. 20 depictsimprovements in seismic imaging plots using a “box plus” pattern, itshould be appreciated that other patterns described according toembodiments of the present disclosure may provide similar improvementsin resolution as well as cost savings when compared to the previouslyused ortho and brick patterns.

FIGS. 22-23 depict 3D seismic imaging plots that may use all “I+H”receivers and a “slant” source propagation configuration according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 22, a grid with a“slant” fold plot may utilize all “I+H” receivers and a “slant” sourcepropagation configuration according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Still referring to FIG. 22, the fold may increase up to 132fold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that the industry standard may be 30 fold; accordingly, thisrepresents a significant increase. FIG. 23 depicts offset componentsthat may use all “I+H” receivers and a “slant” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Itshould be appreciated that, according to industry standards, the dotsshown in a grid along with offset components may be in alignmentvertically and horizontally. It should further be appreciated that themore scattered or randomly placed the dots on the grid appear (FIG. 23),the better the seismic gathering system may function.

FIG. 24 depicts a grid with a “spider” plot that may use all “I+H”receivers with a “slant” source propagation configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated thatthe more legs of each random length that may appear on the “spider”plot, the better the seismic gathering system may function.

FIGS. 25-27 depict 3D seismic imaging plots that may use all “I+H”receivers and a “diamond” source propagation configuration according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 25, a gridwith a “diamond” fold plot may utilize all “I+H” receivers and a“diamond” source propagation configuration according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 26 depicts a grid with a “spider” plot thatmay use all “I+H” receivers with a “diamond” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.27 depicts an offset component plot including a source configurationthat may use all “I+H” receivers and a “diamond” source propagationconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Itshould be appreciated that the more scattered or randomly placed thedots may appear on the plot (FIG. 27), the greater an improvement indata clarity. It should further be appreciated that an improvement indata clarity may yield an overall unprecedented improvement in seismicimaging.

It should be appreciated that there may be some places on the land wheresources and/or receivers may not be placed, such as ponds, houses, andcliffs. In such instances, the sources and/or receivers may be “offset”and this may lead to some degradation in the resulting imaging plot ofthe seismic data. While such offsetting may occur in embodiments of thepresent disclosure, less degradation tends to result due to thepositioning of the sources and receivers relative to each other.Further, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, shots may be runat an angle to sources and/or shots may be rotated relative to thesource in order to further reduce the number of shots that may be neededto collect seismic data and form an imaging plot. By varying spacing orangles between the sources and receivers in patterns according toembodiments of the present disclosure, the data may be collected toproduce better resolution in a seismic imaging plot at a lower cost.Similarly, as fewer sources and receivers may be needed, safety concernsalso may be addressed along with providing improved resolution and costsavings. Patterns according to embodiments of the present disclosurealso may provide for sources and receivers to be positioned in patternsother than straight lines. By using these patterns according toembodiments of the present disclosure, high resolution in the seismicacquisition footprint exclusion process may be achieved at a low cost.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been describedin detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developedthat perform substantially the same function or achieve substantiallythe same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seismic information gathering system, thesystem comprising: a receiver pattern, having a plurality of receiverlocations set parallel to each other and perpendicular to each otherseparated by one unit, the receiver pattern forming a base patternincluding at least an “H,” an “I” and a “+”; and a source pattern,having a plurality of source locations set parallel to each other, thesource pattern forming a plurality of “slant” source lines, wherein thesource pattern is placed on top of the receiver pattern.
 2. The seismicinformation gathering system of claim 1, wherein the base pattern is an“H+I” pattern.
 3. The seismic information gathering system of claim 1,wherein the base pattern is an “I+H” pattern.
 4. The seismic informationgathering system of claim 1, wherein the base pattern is rotated at anangle between 0 and 360 degrees with reference to the earth.
 5. Theseismic information gathering system of claim 1, wherein the basepattern is repeated at a predefined interval.
 6. The seismic informationgathering system of claim 1, wherein the system is in a closedconfiguration.
 7. The seismic information gathering system of claim 1,wherein the system is in an open configuration.
 8. The seismicinformation gathering system of claim 1, wherein the source pattern ispositioned at an angle relative to the receiver pattern.
 9. A seismicinformation gathering system, the system comprising: a receiver patternhaving a plurality of receiver locations set parallel to each other andperpendicular to each other separated by one unit, the receiver patternforming a base pattern including at least an “H,” an “I” and a “+”; anda source pattern, having a plurality of source locations set parallel toeach other and perpendicular to each other, the source pattern forming aplurality of “diamond” source lines, wherein the source pattern isplaced on top of the receiver pattern.
 10. The seismic informationgathering system of claim 9, wherein the base pattern is an “H+I”pattern.
 11. The seismic information gathering system of claim 9,wherein the base pattern is an “I+H” pattern.
 12. The seismicinformation gathering system of claim 9, wherein the base pattern isrotated at an angle between 0 and 360 degrees with reference to theearth.
 13. The seismic information gathering system of claim 9, whereinthe system is in a closed configuration.
 14. The seismic informationgathering system of claim 9, wherein the source pattern is positioned atan angle relative to the receiver pattern.
 15. A seismic informationgathering system, the system comprising: a receiver pattern, having aplurality of receiver locations are set parallel to each other andperpendicular to each other separated by one unit, the receiver patternforming a base pattern including a “box” and a “+”; and a sourcepattern, having a plurality of source locations are set parallel to eachother or both parallel and perpendicular to each other, the sourcepattern forming a plurality of “slant” source lines or “diamond” sourcelines, wherein the source pattern is placed on top of the receiverpattern.
 16. The seismic information gathering system of claim 15,wherein the base pattern is rotated at an angle between 0 and 360degrees with reference to the earth.
 17. The seismic informationgathering system of claim 15, wherein the source pattern is positionedat an angle relative to the receiver pattern.
 18. The seismicinformation gathering system of claim 15, wherein the base pattern isrepeated at a predefined interval.
 19. The seismic information gatheringsystem of claim 15, wherein the system is in a closed configuration. 20.The seismic information gathering system of claim 15, wherein thereceiver pattern and the source pattern are inverted.